The Problem of Hell [Paperback]

Jonathan L. Kvanvig (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 30, 1993

The doctrine of hell presents the most intractable version of the problem of evil, for though it might be argued that ordinary pain and evil can somehow be compensated for by the course of future experience, the pain and suffering of hell leads nowhere. This work develops an understanding of hell that is common to a broad variety of religious perspectives, and argues that the usual understandings of hell are incapable of solving the problem of hell. Kvanvig first argues that the traditional understanding of hell found in Christianity suffers from moral and epistemological inadequacies. Historically, these shortcomings lead to alternatives to the traditional doctrine of hell, such as universalism, annihilationism, or the second chance doctrine. Kvanvig shows, however, that the typical alternatives to the traditional understanding are inadequate as well. He argues that both the traditional understanding and the typical alternatives fail to solve the problem of hell because they share the common flaw of being constructed on a retributive model of hell. Kvanvig then develops a philosophical account of hell which does not depend on a retributive model and argues that it is adequate on both philosophical and theological grounds.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"The book, rich in argument and thought-provoking, is highly recommended for all those with an interest in soteriology and eschatology."The Month

"We are offered an impressive case for the coherence of a revised doctrine of hell....I hope...that our readers will grapple with this subtle and widely ranging discussion, which is far richer than my terse summary can reveal."--The Expository Times

"Those who are not squeamish will find much worth thinking about in this tough-minded and toughly-argued book."--Theology

"Kvanvig's own theory deserves careful consideration....If a philosophical analysis is called for, this is the book to read. It brings us a long way into an intelligent, scripturally respectful, and theologically acceptable discussion of a belief that has traditionally been a forest of contradictions. Kvanvig's book may be the best path through the forest yet."--Christianity and Literature

"Kvanvig's solution to the problem of hell in ingenious. It should be of interest to any philosopher who wants to explore alternatives to the morally problematic doctrine of hell in traditional Christianity."--Ethics

About the Author

Jonathan L. Kvanvig is at Texas AandM University.

Product Details

• Paperback: 192 pages
• Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA (September 30, 1993)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 019508487X
• ISBN-13: 978-0195084870
• Product Dimensions: 8.6 x 5.7 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,197,944 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars An Important Read upon Hell, April 18, 2007

By 

A. Customer (USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: The Problem of Hell (Paperback)

Although the price is a little high for approximately 175 pages of text, this book warrants a read for anyone curious about the problem of hell. Furthermore, though written predominately from a Christian perspective this book will be useful to any religion which contains a doctrine of hell.

Kvanvig begins with what he calls the "Strong View" of hell. This Strong View contains four different points: (1) Some people are cosigned to hell; (2) Hell is a place where people exist if cosigned there; (3) Once cosigned to hell, one cannot leave; and (4) the justification for hell is retributive in nature. Kvanvig argues that one should not adopt this view for moral reasons. For on the Strong View every person in hell receives the same punishment and that punishment in infinite in nature. This seems to be unfair (not everyone is equally guilty) and unjust (no sin, if any, deserves infinite punishment). Kvanvig also thinks that the Strong View suffers from being arbitrary. Why did God choose this type of punishment out of all the open ones to him? Why must hell be "constructed" this way?

After objection to the Strong View, Kvanvig moves on to what he calls "simple solutions" which simply deny one of the four aforementioned points. He then critiques annihilation views of hell and "second chance theories" of hell. He spills much ink over attempting to show the universalism position is also faulty. Though I think his argument fails against universalism because I do not agree with his version of possible world actualization.

Eventually, Kvanvig presents his finally critique of the Strong View of hell and the simple solutions--it focuses upon God's justice instead of his love. According to Kvanvig the primary characteristic of God's nature is his love. Yet talk of justice dominates discussions upon hell. So Kvanvig crafts his own interesting and unique view of hell with an attempt to focus it around the love of God, not simply his justice. (I won't spoil the details.)

Personally, I was not entirely convinced by Kvanvig's case and question his understand of what divine love is. That being said, Kvanvig does raise very good arguments and needs to be engaged by anyone holding onto a Strong View of hell. I also felt as if his own view was a little under developed. Perhaps I am wrong and other readers will disagree with me.

Certainly worth reading.

1 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Impressive, well-argued book, May 12, 2009

By 

Bradley Monton (Boulder, CO United States) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Problem of Hell (Paperback)

This is an impressive book on the nature of hell. Kvanvig argues that a strong retributivist view of hell is false, and argues instead for an issuant conception of hell, where hell exists because of God's love for us. Kvanvig's basic view is that God values our freedom, and while God could force those who reject God to be in heaven, God would have to violate their freedom to do so. Instead, hell exists for those whose characters are such that they've chosen not to be with God.

Kvanvig is a Christian, and while he sometimes discusses hell from a Christian perspective in the book, he's careful to give a more general discussion that applies to non-Christian theologies as well. The book is well-written and carefully argued; it's really an intellectual delight to read.